Paris 2010: Porsche 911 Speedster

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster at the Paris Motor Show.

PHOTO: Howard J. Elmer, For National Post

By Howard J. Elmer, National Post

Originally published: September 30, 2010

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Porsche is a storied brand, one that parent Volkswagen treats with kid gloves — and rightfully so. But it was when Matthias Muller, the new CEO of Porsche AG unveiled the newest Porsche 911 Speedster that the continued purity of the brand shone through.

All this was going on at a century-old train terminal, the night before the official opening of the Paris Motor Show.

In the case of the Speedster, its newest incarnation is in part a salute to the group of special vehicle designers who recently celebrated their 25th anniversary as an entity — the ones who come up with the special limited-edition designs, finishes and touches that turn a great car into a rare car.

For 2011, this 911 Speedster is only the fourth version to be built; the last one was in 1993-’94. This time, the interior of the Speedster is home to accents such as leather-covered inner side skirts matched to the floor mats, a checkered flag design sewn into the leather seats, embroidered headrests all using a pure blue thread that is also the colour found throughout this car. On the glove box, a black painted metal badge bears the vehicle’s limited number. One further special feature is the aluminum gear selector and hand brake lever combination. The hand brake also bears inlaid Speedster lettering lavishly finished in black ceramic.

While much of what makes this rear-drive Speedster unique is found in the car’s design and finish, there are a few surprises under the hood as well. The 3.8-litre flat-six engine has been boosted to 408 hp and combined with a seven-speed PDK transmission. As a result, the Speedster, says Porsche, will do zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed estimated at 305 km/h. Yet, it still manages an average fuel consumption rating of 10.3 litres per 100 km.

Low-slung with a sporty, surly look, only 356 Speedsters will be built, of which 15 are earmarked for Canada. That number, incidentally, pays homage to the first 356 Speedster built in 1954.

The 911 Speedster is a convertible, as all Speedsters have been, and includes weight-saving aluminum doors, ceramic brakes, aluminum compartment lids and no rear seat, resulting in a curb weight of just 1,540 kilograms.

Safety features for this high-performance convertible include full air bag protection and an automatic roll bar that extends instantly outward in the event of a rollover.

If case you’re wondering, the price on the new Speedster will be in the $250,000 range.